Saturday, December 1, 2012

Exploring Philippines 98 - Taal Volcano (Post 1 - to Talisay, Batangas)

After my first visit to Taal, Batangas in May 2009, my next follow-up trip was October of that same year.  That time, I was with another group of friends and we intend to set foot on the volcano itself.

We took the road to Talisay, Batangas and for first timers like us, it was one hell of a ride.  The slopes of the road will keep the driver to the edge of his seat and with so many turns to watch for, the brake of the car will be fully tested.  I was able to experience the roads of Baguio and Antipolo going to the Quezon province but they were nothing compared with the road in Talisay. 

As we experienced each sharp turn within the stretch of the road, from a distance, Taal volcano looked inviting.  That particular time, the weather as good and we could clearly see the island volcano.

We arrived safely at our holding area.  Since no one among us is familiar with the place, we opted to take a guided tour to the volcano. 

After parking the car, our lady tour guide directed us towards the loading part of the lake.  Upon reaching the main road of Talisay, boatmen are lining on the side of the road and offer their boats for a minimal amount towards Taal volcano.  If you are good in negotiation, you can hire a boat for as low as 800 pesos.  And if only we were aware of the rates, most probably, we didn't have to resort to a guided tour.

Anyway, the boats that take the visitors to Taal volcano are all equipped with life vests.  For safety reasons, all passengers are required to put on a life vest during the course of sailing.  And although this is a lake, contrary to our understanding, waves are also present.

The boat ride towards the volcano is about 20 minutes.  After getting off the boat, our lady guide brought us to the horse’s station.  It was a busy day most especially for the locals living in the volcano island.  There were so many tourists that time and people simply come and go.  For the locals, it was another great day for them to earn their living.

I learned that most of the people manning the horses, young and old alike, don’t actually own the horses.  They simply work for a certain amount for a day’s work.  The usual rate for a horse is from 500-1500 pesos, depending on the season.  According to my guide, he receives 100 pesos per trip.  And with the number of rotating horses in the area, they would normally take a break for a couple of days before they can man their horse again.

 

Actually, it is not a requirement to ride a horse towards the view deck of the crater of Taal volcano.  Some visitors opted to walk towards the crater and most likely, it would take one an hour or more before reaching the view deck.  To be honest, it was a first time for all of us to ride a horse. And given the trail that we had to follow, it was a good idea after all.


If you want to visit Taal volcano, make sure to bring some must-have stuff like water, cap, and a hanky to cover your face from dust.  In a clear and sunny day, expect the heat of the sun and the overwhelming cloud of dust in some parts of the trail.
  

the road to Talisay, Batangas











docking area in Talisay, Batangas






to Taal volcano












the horses station in Taal volcano island




towards Taal volcano's crater






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